Rise in Use of Contraception Offers Hope for Containing Global Population

The number of women using contraceptives in developing countries has soared to record levels in recent years, such that projections for global population growth could be cut by as much as 1 billion over the next 15 years.

The latest figures by the UN show more women than ever now use family planning, with some poorer regions recording the fastest pace of growth since 2000.

In 2015, an estimated 64% of married women, or women living with a partner, aged between 15 and 49, were using modern or traditional forms of family planning. In 1970, the rate was 36%.

The population division of the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Undesa) predicts high rates of contraceptive use in Africaover the next 15 years; a region with the largest demand but least access to modern contraceptives.